For some people going to the range is a daily occurrence for some, and for others it’s a day that is anticipated the whole week prior. Either way, the entire day can be ruined if you get to the range and find yourself deficient in one or two necessary items. While your time spent on the range can vary in the way you use it, there are certain issues that may arise, both minor and serious that will require peripheral equipment to rectify. Whether you are heading out to plink some cans, or on your way to a week long training course we think you will appreciate having a fully stocked range bag to keep you gunslinging instead of gunsmithing on the range.

Batteries are an easily forgotten necessity that cause an entire trip to the range feel like a waste if left in the kitchen drawer. Today we have so many pieces of equipment that rely on batteries, extras should always be in the range bag. Optics, calculators, Kestrels, ear pro, lights, timers, and more will all have dead batteries when you need them most unless you are prepared with extras in your bag.

Credit: Outers

Cleaning rods are something that you might never need at the range, until you do need one. While a cleaning rod can come in handy when seasoning a barrel, the main reason we recommend you put one in your bag is for safety purposes. If you ever commit the sin of putting your muzzle in the dirt, or have a squib, there are very few ways to safely clear a barrel without a cleaning rod. A cleaning rod can also help you remove a stuck case if you ever run into that unfortunate situation.

Extra ear pro and eye pro. If you’re like me, you probably wear the same sunglasses on the range as you do everywhere else. This means it can be easy to leave your eye pro in the car, or maybe you bring a friend who doesn’t have any of their own to the range. Whether you use it yourself, or you square away a newcomer to the range you will never regret having an extra pair of eyes and ears in the bag.

A multi-tool is a fantastic addition to any range bag. You do not know when you are going to have a malfunction that a simple tap-rack will not rectify, and additional encouragement may be required. This will also help if you need to adjust sights, remove battery covers, or any number of other unforeseen odd jobs that might keep you from slinging lead.

Credit: Redback Aviation

Possibly the most overlooked item is the IFAK, or individual first aid kit. Whether you need to cover up some cuts or scrapes, or you need to treat some serious trauma while waiting for professional help to arrive, the IFAK is irreplaceable when required. Most of us don’t expect to ever need any sort of medical attention during our trips to the range, but accidents do happen and if one happens to you, you will be happy you were prepared.

Credit: Steel Shield Technologies

Some sort of weapon lubricant. It is not so much important as to what type or brand you use, but it is important that you keep some on hand. Many times, when a weapon goes down at the range, a quick shot of lubricant could be all it takes to put it back into action. There are those who believe their firearms should be able to run dry, and maybe they should, but they definitely run better when lubricated properly.

Credit: Falko Tactical

A simple cleaning kit can go a long ways in keeping you on the range. Simple items like some Q-Tips or pipe cleaners, a bore-snake, some picks and a scraper, and a rag or two will definitely help keep your guns running on the range. Additional tools can be helpful if you want have the room and appreciate creature comforts; borelights, jags for barrel maintenance, a stiff bristled toothbrush, and possibly even a lens brush and anti-fog spray can make your time on the range more valuable.

Credit: Tactical Gun

These simple additions to a range bag will help you to enjoy your time on the range better. They will also make you look and feel more prepared whenever something doesn’t go according to plan, and it could even make you the most popular guy or girl on the range when somebody who didn’t read this article runs into trouble. While there are items on this list that you might never use on the range, some that you most certainly will, and some that you hope to never use, you will always feel better knowing you have them than not.